Erhai Lake, named for its ear-like shape, is a 250km² alpine lake at 1,972m elevation, nestled between the Cangshan mountain range and the ancient town of Dali. The cycling loop around the lake covers approximately 130km and is typically done over 2 days with an overnight in a lakeside village. The route passes through Bai ethnic minority villages, fish markets, lakeside temples, and rural farmland, with the snow-capped Cangshan peaks (up to 4,122m) as a constant backdrop. The roads are mostly well-paved with dedicated cycling lanes on the east shore. This is one of China's premier cycling destinations — challenging enough to feel like an achievement, beautiful enough to justify every pedal stroke. The combination of alpine scenery, ethnic culture, and mild Yunnan weather makes it unforgettable.
Moderate. The route is mostly flat with gentle rolling sections — the total elevation gain is only about 200m. The main challenges are distance (130km over 2 days), altitude (1,972m — you'll feel the thin air on climbs), and lakeside winds on the east shore. Day 1 (Dali to Shuanglang, ~60km) is easier and more scenic. Day 2 (Shuanglang back to Dali via east shore, ~70km) is flatter but more exposed to wind. Suitable for regular cyclists with reasonable fitness. Electric bikes are a popular alternative and can complete the loop in 1 day.
Everything you need to know as an international traveler planning this cycling route in China.
Dali Old Town has numerous bike rental shops, especially on Renmin Road (人民路) and Fuxing Road (复兴路). Quality mountain bikes and touring bikes: ¥50-80/day, ¥200-300 deposit. Electric bikes: ¥80-120/day (very popular for this route — many foreigners do the loop on e-bikes in one day). Tandem bikes available. Passport required for deposit. The shops are well-accustomed to foreign tourists — English is spoken at most. Reserve a good quality bike the day before, especially in peak season (March-May, September-October). Recommended shops: those near the South Gate of Dali Old Town have the best selection.
Fly to Dali Airport (DLU) — flights from Kunming (45 min, ¥400-600), Chengdu (1.5h), Guangzhou (2h). Or fly to Kunming Changshui International Airport (KMG) and take high-speed train to Dali (2h, ¥145). From Dali airport, taxi to Dali Old Town: ¥80-100, 40 min. From Dali Railway Station, bus to Old Town: ¥3, 45 min; or taxi ¥30-40, 20 min. Dali Old Town is the natural starting point for the lake loop. Kunming is a major international hub with flights from most Asian capitals.
Day 1 (West Shore, ~60km): Start at Dali Old Town (大理古城). Cycle north along the west shore road — pass Three Pagodas (崇圣寺三塔), then through Xizhou Village (喜洲, lunch stop, famous Bai architecture and batik dyeing). Continue north to Shuanglang (双廊), a scenic fishing village on the northeast tip of the lake. Overnight in Shuanglang (many guesthouses and restaurants). Day 2 (East Shore, ~70km): From Shuanglang, cycle south along the east shore — this is the most scenic section with Cangshan peaks reflected in the lake. Pass through Haishe Park and Wenbi Village. The east shore is less developed and more beautiful. Return to Dali Old Town via the south end of the lake. Total: ~130km over 2 days.
Alipay and WeChat Pay accepted in Dali Old Town and Shuanglang. Rural villages on the east shore may only accept cash. Carry ¥300-500 cash for village guesthouses, meals, and small shops. Erhai Lake ecological protection fee: ¥30 (collected at checkpoint). Three Pagodas entrance: ¥75. Xizhou Village: free. Shuanglang guesthouses: ¥100-300/night including meals. International credit cards not accepted. Budget: ¥400-600 for 2 days including bike rental, accommodation, food, and fees.
Dali Old Town is very foreigner-friendly — many cafe and guesthouse owners speak English. Shuanglang also caters to tourists with basic English. Outside these areas, English is very limited — Bai language and Mandarin are spoken. Useful phrases: 洱海 (ěr hǎi) = Erhai Lake; 苍山 (cāng shān) = Cangshan Mountain; 喜洲 (xǐ zhōu) = Xizhou; 双廊 (shuāng láng) = Shuanglang; 大理古城 (dà lǐ gǔ chéng) = Dali Old Town; 租自行车 (zū zì xíng chē) = rent bicycle. The Bai people are warm and welcoming — learn '你好' (hello) and '谢谢' (thank you).
4G signal is good around Dali Old Town, the west shore, and Shuanglang. Signal becomes weaker on the remote east shore — there are dead zones in some village sections. Download offline maps (Baidu Maps or Gaode/Amap) before starting. WiFi is available at most guesthouses in Dali and Shuanglang. Carry a power bank for GPS navigation. The east shore has limited facilities — don't rely on finding WiFi mid-ride.
Dali First People's Hospital (大理市第一人民医院): 0872-2125067. Dali Prefecture Hospital: 0872-2201166. Ambulance: 120. Shuanglang has a small clinic for minor issues. For serious emergencies, return to Dali city. Bike repair: Dali Old Town and Shuanglang both have repair shops. On the east shore, if your bike breaks down, flag down a passing vehicle — locals are generally helpful. The lake loop is a popular cycling route, so other cyclists are often nearby to help.
Based on 445 reviews from international cyclists who have completed this route. Ratings reflect route quality, scenery, infrastructure, and overall experience.
Last verified: August 1, 2026